The maturity of Xander Bogaerts

BOSTON -- A quick note about the maturity of Xander Bogaerts, the 21-year-old who sparked a rally in Game Four of the American League Division Series:

Brian MacPherson Journal Sports Writer brianmacp

BOSTON -- A quick note about the maturity of Xander Bogaerts, the 21-year-old who sparked a rally in Game Four of the American League Division Series:

Bogaerts had spent the first three games of the series watching from the bench, just like he'd spent much of September watching from the bench. But he was able to learn while watching. He understood the value of preparation.

And so when he came into the game as a pinch-hitter against Tampa Bay lefty Jake McGee, he was ready -- and he didn't let McGee psyche him out.

"When I came in to face McGee, I knew he threw fastballs, fastballs and more fastballs," Bogaerts said. "I remember one pitch -- I think it was the 2-1 pitch -- when he shook off like three times. I'm like, 'Why's he shaking off? He's just throwing fastballs.' He tried to play with my mind, but I knew he was coming in and throwing gas."

Bogaerts wound up drawing a six-pitch walk and scoring the game-tying run.

Twitter: @brianmacp

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